Our Heroes
Jerry and Joan Majetich, National Spokespersons
Jerry was on his second tour to Iraq with the 304th Psychological Operations Company, and was in the 27th vehicle in a convoy of 69 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosion device (IED). With two soldiers killed, Jerry was the most severely wounded -- even dying before doctors brought him back to life a few seconds later. He sustained 50 percent total body surface area burns, and 100 percent burns to his face and scalp. One-third of his intestines were removed and he lost all fingers on his right hand. He was also shot behind the right leg. He spent two years in and out of Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio where he underwent 41 surgeries.
Upon learning of Jerry's injuries, Joan Majetich had to leave her children back at home to be by her husband's side during his recovery. Naturally, this put a financial strain on the family -- Joan could not work during this time and the travel expenses were too much to bear. So the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes paid for Joan and their daughters to move from California to Texas to be near Jerry during his long recovery.
The Majetich family also attended the Third Annual Road to Recovery Conference in Orlando in 2006 where they met with other families going through the same ordeal, learned about resources available to them, and where their children were able to interact with other of the wounded.
As a way to say "thanks" to the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, Joan and her husband joined the organization as National Spokespersons. With their message of hope, strength and resilience, they are able to inspire the many other families who are struggling just as they once did.
Jerry and Joan have three children and currently reside in Indiana.